Instagrammer uses makeup to raise domestic violence awareness

Instagram beauty trends are endless — from wavy lips to Dunkin’ Donuts hair dye and even to fake wounds. But bruises? Not so common. One social media influencer star from the United Arab Emirates just went there, though, and for good reason.

“HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF THIS WAS NOT MAKEUP???,” Diala Makki wrote under a photo of herself and another woman with huge bruises under their eyes, which were apparently created using makeup, thanks to the handiwork of the other woman in the photo, Samira Olfat, who is a makeup artist.

So why did these women want fake bruises instead of contouring? To raise awareness of domestic violence.

“I will dedicate this entire week for women,” Makki, a journalist, host, and contributing editor of Marie Claire Arabia, wrote. “Each and every one of us has a story … don’t be ashamed to share it, it might inspire or help others.” She used the hashtags #saynotoviolence and #speakupforthevoiceless.

Her followers were impressed by and grateful for the bold post. “This is a great job! @dialamakki because you are putting the light on this important subject,” one person commented. “Such an important message, thank you for sharing awareness!” said another.

It inspired some women to share their stories: “I chose not to hide mine. Was tired of protecting him,” one woman bravely explained.

This isn’t the first time that beauty has been used to shed light on an important topic. Last April, YouTuber Amy Geliebter made a “depression makeup tutorial” to help people understand this common condition. For 2014’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), the Women’s Resource Center of Beckley, W.Va., launched a project that had community members creating “black eyes” with makeup, and then tagging a selfie with #herblackeyeisOURblackeye to create a conversation about domestic violence. And in 2016, a makeup artist sent a truly impactful message to her depression by writing “f*** you” beautifully on her eyelid with eyeliner.

While makeup is meant to make you look a certain way, it can also say a lot.